Raung volcano Alert Level raised to 2, Indonesia
The Alert Level for Raung volcano was raised from 1 to 2 on July 29, 2022. The decision was based on the results of seismic monitoring and unstable conditions at the crater. The last eruption of this volcano took place in 2021 (VEI 2).
Visual observations showed the activity at the volcano was mostly calm from July 1 to 27, with emissions rising 50 to 400 m (160 – 1 300 feet) above the summit.1
However, instruments showed elevated seismic activity from July 8 to 19, characterized by continuous tremor and volcano-tectonic earthquakes.
The activity further increased on July 27 with an eruption at 17:19 LT that ejected ash up to 1.5 km (4 900 feet) above the peak; this is about 4.7 km (15 400 feet) above sea level.
In addition, NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites detected a 2 mW heat anomaly on the surface of the crater on July 28.
GPS modeling for the period of June to July 2022 confirms inflation more than 10 km (6.2 miles) from the crater, suggesting magma accumulating at a depth of 2.9 km (9 500 feet) below the peak.
The public and visitors/tourists are not allowed to approach the volcano within 3 km (1.8 miles). The community living around Raung is advised to remain calm and always follow instructions given by local authorities.
Geological summary
Raung, one of Java’s most active volcanoes, is a massive stratovolcano in easternmost Java that was constructed SW of the rim of Ijen caldera.
The unvegetated summit is truncated by a dramatic steep-walled, 2 km (1.2 miles) wide caldera that has been the site of frequent historical eruptions.
A prehistoric collapse of Gunung Gadung on the W flank produced a large debris avalanche that traveled 79 km (49 miles), reaching nearly to the Indian Ocean.
Raung contains several centers constructed along a NE-SW line, with Gunung Suket and Gunung Gadung stratovolcanoes being located to the NE and W, respectively.2
References:
1 Raung volcano update – PVMBG – July 29, 2022
2 Raung – Geological summary – GVP
Featured image credit: PVMGB
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